Judge Halts Trump Administration’s $1.8 Billion ‘Anti-Weaponization’ Fund

A federal judge in Virginia has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from launching a $1.8 billion government-funded program intended to compensate individuals claiming they were targeted by federal agencies. The court order freezes all financial transfers and claim processing, citing concerns over the program's legality and lack of congressional oversight.

Judge Leonie M. Brinkema of the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia issued the two-page order on Friday, specifically barring the administration from moving money into or out of the so-called “Anti-Weaponization Fund.” The court set a June 12 hearing to determine whether this pause should be extended amid ongoing legal challenges.

The fund originated from a settlement between the Justice Department and President Donald Trump, who had sued the IRS and Treasury for $10 billion over the leak of his tax returns. Critics, including advocacy groups like Democracy Forward, have labeled the initiative a “felon-to-felon slush fund” because it is expected to benefit participants in the January 6 insurrection—many of whom received presidential pardons despite convictions for violent crimes against police.

Democratic leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, praised the ruling as a vital check on executive overreach. Plaintiffs argued that the administration lacked the constitutional authority to establish a political rewards program using public funds without legislative approval. With the court now requiring a formal review, the administration is restricted from disbursing any capital until the legal battle concludes.